World-class Universal Theme Park and Resort Planned for the UK
Universal Destinations & Experiences, a unit of Comcast NBCUniversal, intends to build and operate the company’s first-ever Universal branded theme park and resort in the United Kingdom, located in Bedford, pending planning consent approvals.
We have submitted a request to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for planning permission to be granted by way of making a Special Development Order (SDO). The proposal is sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
MHCLG invited representations on the Environmental Statement, and the other documents, plans, and drawings that accompanied the request from 3 July 2025 to 31 August 2025. These representations, and our request for planning permission, are now with MHCLG for consideration.
The development will have a transformative impact on Bedford and the UK economy; it will generate nearly £50 billion of economic benefit and create 28,000 jobs. At opening, the entertainment resort complex would be one of the largest employers in the region, with approximately 80% of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.
The project will also help deliver several long sought after transportation upgrades including an expanded Wixams railway station, direct slip roads from the A421 and other local road improvements.
PROJECT UPDATE
You can find information shared previously as part of our public engagement on our archive page. This information has now been updated and superseded by the submitted proposals.
August 2025 Update
The planning process facilitates open dialogue and feedback, and we appreciate Bedford Borough’s commitment to that process and continued support of our proposed development.
Since announcing our intent to proceed with this transformative project, subject to receiving the relevant planning consent approvals, strong interest and enthusiasm continues — including over 18,000 local residents, around 80 percent of whom live in Bedford or the surrounding regions, registering to receive job information, and around 2,000 suppliers expressing interest in working with us.
We are excited about the significant opportunities our planned project presents and remain fully committed to ensuring our SDO application is thoroughly vetted.
26 June 2025 Local Letter
April 2025 Media Factsheet
Your questions answered
1. What is the status of the project?
We have submitted a request to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for planning permission to be granted by way of making a Special Development Order (SDO). The proposal is sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
MHCLG invited representations on the Environmental Statement, and the other documents, plans, and drawings that accompanied the request from 3 July 2025 to 31 August 2025. These representations, and our request for planning permission, are now with MHCLG for consideration. We are excited about the significant opportunities our planned project presents.
2. Where are your other parks?
3. What rides and experiences can I expect to see if this project is taken forward?
4. When would you start construction?
Get in touch
For all media enquiries: uprcorpcomm@uniparks.com
For those interested in registering for future job opportunities
For those interested in registering for our suppliers list
For all other enquiries: universalukproject@londoncommunications.co.uk